Risk Associated with Improper Marathon Training

Marathon running has become a very popular sport. The challenge of running 26.2 miles is very taxing on the body and can lead to serious health problems if proper training does not occur. A study of ultra-marathon runners published by PLOS ONE indicated that 67% of the marathon runners had a running related injury, and most of the injured runners were younger and inexperienced. While a very small percent of the population runs ultra-marathons, the incident of injury is still similar to marathon runners¹. Though not as far as an ultra-marathon, marathons and half-marathons can still be dangerous for those who do not properly train. Many individuals who decide to run a marathon solely for a bucket list may have no prior experience in running or knowledge of the importance of training.

Exercise should make the body more efficient, but improper training can do damage to the body and cause a decline in the heart’s ability to function. The Canadian Journal of Cardiology conducted a study of 20 recreational, long-distance runners with no history of heart disease. Participants were tested before a marathon, twice on race day, and three months later. A “change in left ventricular ejection fraction was associated with VO2 max” and  “36% of segments developed edema, 53% decreased function and 59% decreased profusion”². Edema, or swelling, is a response to injury. Profusion, or a constriction in blood flow, is a serious concern because it can damage tissue. With time, these “changes” were reversible, but still a serious concern as it leads to an increased cardiac risk.

Training for a marathon is something that takes dedication, heart, and top physical fitness. In order to prevent injury, runners should have a good cardiovascular base before beginning marathon training³. Running programs, such as those from Hal Higdon,

offer experience-level specific and appropriate marathon training programs. Novice marathon runners should research proper training programs before training, or find a running coach to design a program for them. Even with proper training, injury is still a risk; however, the frequency and severity of injury is less.

¹Hoffman, M. D., & Krishnan, E. (2014). Health and exercise-related medical issues among 1,212 ultramarathon runners: Baseline findings from the ultrarunners longitudinal  tracking (ultra) study. PLOS ONE, 9(1), e83867. Retrieved from            http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0083867

²Gaudreault, V., Tizon-Marcos, H., Poirier, P., Pibarot, P., Gilbert, P., Amyot, M., & Larose, E. (n.d). Transient Myocardial Tissue and Function Changes During a Marathon in Less Fit Marathon Runners. Canadian Journal Of Cardiology, 29(10), 1269-1276.

³Hamstra-Wright, K., Coumbe-Lilley, J., Kim, H., McFarland, J., & Huxel Bliven, K. (2013). The influence of training and mental skills preparation on injury incidence and performance in marathon runners. Journal Of Strength And Conditioning Research / National Strength & Conditioning Association, 27(10), 2828-2835. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e31828a4733